Ok, I am working on wedding projects. I also have a husband out of town hunting. There is a great deal going on here when I get that message from my sister. While Marie is having her back yard worked on before the wedding, she has a little project idea she needs me to add to the list.

You see, Marie has had a greenhouse built from old windows and doors. It really is beautiful, and she needed one. However, there are a few areas that are a little odd and there aren’t any windows to fit. George, the amazing and talented George has had a great idea that maybe I could do some stained-glass pieces for those areas. Yes folks, we are now a month out from the wedding and Marie has requested not 1, not 2, but 5 stained-glass pieces for the greenhouse.

Branded and always Texas Proud Stained-Glass Greenhouse

Now I am in glass mode folks! I drop what I am doing and try to get some ideas. I had already worked up their cattle brand for a present for Jeff. And of course, we must have something Texas. George suggests the Texas star perhaps. I am nervous at this point. I think about my sister and what she loves as well as where these pieces are going. Just to add a little more pressure, we are now having the rehearsal dinner served from the greenhouse.

I pour my heart and soul into these new pieces. Two are my own original designs. With raw bleeding fingers I am pushed right up to the time we leave getting these done. I did not send Marie any pictures of what I was doing or what they would look like. But I must say, I believe she loved them!

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While my husband was off hunting, I went to the Vintage Market Days in Kissimmee. It was my first time to one of their events. I was excited to say the least. I had purchased the early shopper pass so that I could go before the crowds. And it was worth it!

I arrived about 30 minutes after it was open. I knew exactly what I was hoping to find and was excited about what surprises there could be. I am one of those methodical shoppers too. I must go a certain direction and down every aisle. I take my time and inspect everything. One of the first booths I hit had furniture and some antique linens. Yep, you guessed it. I picked up a couple things like table clothes, napkins and doilies to replenish my stock used for the wedding. They tried to talk me out of one of the table clothes because of a rust stain. No problem for me, I have my super-secret cleaning solution to take care of that. So that lovely little thing came home with me.

I found this adorable banner at Well Red Design booth. It is made from vintage postcards! So adorable and I know Marie will love that hanging at her house for Thanksgiving. Of course, now I will be looking for vintage postcards when I go my adventures in antiquing. What is even cuter is the little notes on be cards. The history behind them just makes it even more precious.

At the Tournesol Tribal Booth I picked up the cutest ring and earrings. I also picked up bags of stamped metal and buttons. I have great ideas for these in the future. I love when you see different things like this that inspire me creations.

I found everything from antiques and collectables to jewelry and clothes. There was something for everyone! I ran into the Stained Glass Lady from here in town where I learned to do stained glass. She is a great teacher and moved into our downtown area being revitalized here in Saint Cloud.

I fell in love with the old vintage windows and milk cans. This booth had also had oil cans and shutters just to name a few things.

I met a jewelry designer from here in town, Jacquelyn Delia Designs. Her booth was packed so I didn’t get any pictures, but she had amazing turquoise jewelry. She had her own design of the tobacco leaf jewelry and cigar rings. And converts vintage jewelry with her modern designs to bring beautiful contrast of old and new. Just loved it!

As you can see from the pictures, there was amazing vendors. The two days that followed they were crowded, and people left with car loads of goodies. I can’t wait until my next adventure with the Vintage Market Days.

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Once a year, my husband and I go the Lakeland for the Fancy Flea. The Fancy Flea is not what I would call a ‘flea market’ but more of an antique or vintage market. It happens every year at the end of July in Lakeland Florida. They also have one in Plant City at the end of April which is always my birthday weekend. Lucky me! As I was saying, my husband and I do the Lakeland one together and make a date day out of it.

The Fancy Flea has a theme each time and it is always a treat to see how they decorate the entrance. After paying to get in and getting our hand stamped, I have to decide which side to start on or if I want to start with a mimosa! Oh yes, they have lovely drinks and food. Since this one is held inside, no worries about the heat. Just enjoy the adventure in the air conditioning.

I am sorry to say that I got so wrapped up in my shopping that I didn’t get to take many photos for you. But you can check out what they posted on Facebook. One treat was a wooden child’s murphy bed. I had not seen one of those in years and it even had the feather mattress. As I looked at all the vintage clothing and jewelry my wonderful husband watched and asked questions. I always go with a goal in mind of what I am looking for, so I don’t go crazy buying all the ‘wants’ I have. From old windows to unique jewelry, quilts, clothes and vintage kitchen utensils, you can find it and more when you visit a Fancy Flea market. I must admit, I found furs that I wanted again. It was so hard not buying this beautiful mink scarf I found.
One of my all-time favorites is the County Argyle. If you have not seen them at one of the many vintage markets here in Florida, then you need to check them out at The Lovely Boutique Market in Orlando. A few years ago, I picked up an incredible vintage snake belt/necklace. LOVE IT! This year I wasn’t so lucky in finding what I wanted from them, but I need to go hit up the boutique soon. You will not be disappointed when you shop with these gentlemen.

After spending a couple hours shopping, we headed downtown Lakeland for lunch at Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille. A nice Cajun inspired restaurant that never disappoints. Had myself a nice dirty martini and a grilled chicken Cesar salad. My husband opted for a po’boy with his beer as we sat out on the patio area enjoying the gorgeous day. Lakeland had a farmer’s market that was wrapping up when we arrived but that didn’t stop us from walking off our lunch shopping downtown.

One place we must go to is Lloyd’s of Lakeland. What a treasure trove of vintage and antique wares! We met the incredible Ms. Ruby a few years ago when I purchased a vintage Whiting & Davis handbag from her. I sat and listened as she shared her story with us. What an amazing and wonderful lady. Unfortunately, she passed away and we will miss seeing her, but we always think of her as we explore Lloyd’s of Lakeland. When you visit Lloyd’s don’t forget to check out the upstairs. The incredible furniture you will find will be a delight.

I just love this purse

Scout & Tag is another favorite of mine. Furniture is amazing, and they do teach classes there too. The soaps and candles are smell incredible and I never know what I will find or what I idea I will take to try at home from them.

A town rich in history, Lakeland Florida holds fond memories of cobblestone streets, lake walks and family. I spent many a summer with our great-grandma Penny and Aunt Betty as a very young child. And every time I visit, it brings back those sweet memories. And every year, my husband and I make memories of our own walking the cobble stone streets of downtown Lakeland. And of course my goodies I bought at The Fancy Flea! The pink vintage top, costume jewelry snake necklace, vintage leather driving gloves and dog knife rests.

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This is my final closet clean out for my clothes. Yep, there is a huge pile of clothes that do not fit. I even got into my winter clothes and pulled out those that no longer fit. Talk about an emotion event. I love clothes and shoes. I buy vintages hats and coats all the time. I love them! Oh, and fur coats are my weakness. Not that you need coats like that here in Florida, but I love them.

Furs

Grandma’s Red Hat

When we would go antiquing, I would always be drawn to the vintage clothes. When I was young I would go second-hand shopping in the wealthy areas. I would get clothes with the tags still on or ones that were only wore once. There was nothing like picking up a Chanel suit still in season to make this girl happy. I had so many clothes when I was younger that I never wore the same outfit twice. I kept a journal of just my clothes and what I wore to where every day. It included my accessories and jewelry. I was a little clothes crazy back then I guess you could say. For those that are my age, you might remember that Pier 1 Imports once also carried clothes. Oh, I loved shopping there too.

Vintage Purses

Furry little friends

So fast forward and here we are with a pile of clothes. No more holding on to clothes I can’t wear. I am excited about finding my new style at this point in my life. I still love vintage. I love that 50’s vibe. No need for power suits but a good LBD is in my future. Blazers and ankle pants. Vintage accessories and pretty shoes. And I am still gonna get more hats my friends.
Final Closet Clean out

Marie and I went shopping on my last visit. It was exhilarating to try on clothes. To be honest, it is exciting to shop with someone who will be honest with you too. I love that about Marie and Ashley. Ashley is our fashion guru in the family, so when she says something isn’t right, it isn’t. We all go through different phases in our lives and our clothes should too. So why don’t we upgrade our wardrobes like we should? Why do we try to hold on to our younger years? There is nothing back there that we need. We are incredible women no matter what size or shape we are. So, embrace your life. Embrace your age. Embrace the beauty from within and let it show.

As for me, I am gonna try on those vintage clothes next time. I am going to continue to upgrade my wardrobe. Maybe a little more 50’s vibe is needed or a little western flair. Boho isn’t my thing but how about a little color other than black. I wore tenni runners (casual tennis shoes not athletic shoes) in public y’all, that ain’t ever happened before! I love skirts and miss those blazers. So, keep an eye out and let’s see what my future wardrobe holds. And did I mention I have let my hair grow out some. Yes people, I have had short hair for years and spiky hair for at least the last 6 years. I am so excited!!!

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I love crafts. Any type of crafts. Sewing is one I wish I did better and had more time to do. As I mentioned in my last post, Miss O taught me to sew. I inherited quite a bit of Miss O’s hand work pieces. I also had a few pieces of beautiful handwork from my husband’s grandmothers. They were just packed in a drawer sitting there. I would take them out and sometimes use them in the house but really I didn’t get to enjoy the beautiful pieces.

So my beautiful Tennessse was getting married last March and wanted something to walk through going down the aisle. I told her I could make curtains that she could hang to walk through. I had pinned these beautiful curtains and I wanted to make them.

So first I laid out all the linens I had collected over the years. I needed a few pieces to pull the 2 panels together. So shopping I went. I collected some ole hankies and some newer ones to make it coheisive. The hardest part was cutting up the linens that the woman had worked so hard on. I cut longer pieces in half and put one on each panel of the curtain.

The only thing I added after laying out the delicate linens was some fringe. Oh how I love ribbon and gorgeous dangling ribbon is at the top of my list of must haves. So I scrounged through my ribbon collection and here ya go.

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Oh how I love thee, let me count the ways.

I did not realize how much I love old or unusual doors. I was looking up a pin about how to make an awning over an outside door, when I realized I had a copious amount of pins on doors. So I organized and created a board just for my love of doors. Doors

Then I started thinking about my house and how I had used old doors in my home.

1. Wall Hanging

One of my favorite doors in my home is a door that hangs on the wall. The panels have been replaced with mirrors. I use it in my entrance hallway hung above a table. It is so fun to decorate for holidays.

2. Barn door

I also have a new door that I had made that looks like an old barn door. It is the door to my craft room. I’ll have to do a post about my craft room soon. It isn’t as cool as Misha’s but it works for me.

3. Door with a transom

There is this place I love to go looking for old things, Old Home Supply in Ft Worth. If you live in the DFW area you should check it out. You can get doors, windows, clawfoot tubs, hardware, lightning, Just about anything rescued from old homes. I love this place! Well I purchased an old door with a transom and after re-staining, I used it for my son’s bedroom door.

How do you think it looks?

4. Recycled/Repurposed

But my all time favorite so far is a cabinet I had built. (An old student of mine built it for me. He called it a telephone booth.) It is my linen cabinet. An old door was used for the front and the 2 sides. Longleaf pine from an old home in East Texas was used for the shelves. I think it came out beautiful and has so much character. Thank you Shad Kingston, I so have enjoyed my linen cabinet.

5. Repurposed Old Kitchen Door

I have two more doors that I will be adding to our home during the kitchen renovation. One is another sliding barn door style, but I’m using an old kitchen door from a home built in the 1920’s. How do I know it was an old kitchen door … Well, it came out of the house where Jeff and I first lived. We did an add on to our first home and I had to remove the kitchen door. Being the hoarder of old artifacts, I still have that kitchen door. (Sorry Lyndsey for not leaving it for you) So 26 years later, I am using that beautiful kitchen door for my new pantry door. I will share a pic of the sliding pantry door when the remodel is done.

6. Dutch Door

The second door that I will be adding to our home is a new kitchen door. Coach Patty, also know as Mike Patrick, is building a DUTCH DOOR for my kitchen. We taught math together for years, I AM SO EXCITED! Check out the inspiration dutch door. I’ll definitely be sharing that picture with you.

Why I have such a love for doors? I have no idea. But apparently I have 6 reasons in my home. My hubby asked me why I loved doors when I told him I was writing about them. Here is what I said, “Doors are where you welcome your guests into your home.” I hope my home is always welcoming to those who enter. I look at old doors and I think about the memories that were shared as people walked through the door.

One of my favorite pictures of my youngest is where she is sitting at the front door waiting for her aunt and uncle to arrive at the house for a visit. She is just precious.

What is something you just love or appreciate the history behind it? Please share, I would love to hear about it.